Operating system for human-powered vehicle

ABSTRACT

An operating system for a human-powered vehicle comprises a first operating device and a controller. The first operating device is configured to output a first control signal. The controller is configured to determine whether the first operating device meets a first predetermined condition. The controller is configured to assign, if the first operating device meets the first predetermined condition, an additional electric device a function of the first operating device so that the additional electric device outputs the first control signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an operating system for a human-poweredvehicle.

Discussion of the Background

A human-powered vehicle includes an operating device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an operatingsystem for a human-powered vehicle comprises a first operating deviceand a controller. The first operating device is configured to output afirst control signal. The controller is configured to determine whetherthe first operating device meets a first predetermined condition. Thecontroller is configured to assign, if the first operating device meetsthe first predetermined condition, an additional electric device afunction of the first operating device so that the additional electricdevice outputs the first control signal.

With the operating system according to the first aspect, it is possibleto operate a component using the additional electric device if the firstoperating device meets the first predetermined condition. Thus, it ispossible to improve convenience of the operating system.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the first aspect is configured so that thefirst operating device includes a first electric power source. Thecontroller is configured to determine whether the first operating devicemeets the first predetermined condition based on a first power-levelcondition in which a first remaining level of the first electric powersource is equal to or lower than a first threshold.

With the operating system according to the second aspect, it is possibleto operate a component using the additional electric device if the firstremaining level of the first electric power source is equal to or lowerthan the first threshold. Thus, it is possible to use the additionalelectric device as a backup device for the first operating device.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the second aspect is configured so thatthe controller is configured to receive first power-level informationindicating the first remaining level of the first electric power sourcefrom the first operating device. The controller is configured todetermine whether the first operating device meets the firstpredetermined condition based on the first power-level information.

With the operating system according to the third aspect, it is possibleto use the additional electric device as a backup device for the firstoperating device even if the first remaining level of the first electricpower source is equal to or lower than the first threshold.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the third aspect is configured so that thefirst operating device includes a first power-level detector configuredto detect the first remaining level of the first electric power source.The controller is configured to receive the first power-levelinformation based on the first remaining level detected by the firstpower-level detector.

With the operating system according to the fourth aspect, it is possibleto reliably obtain the first power-level information.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the first aspect further comprises theadditional electric device. The first operating device includes a firstcommunicator configured to transmit the first control signal. Theadditional electric device includes an additional communicatorconfigured to transmit the first control signal if the controllerassigns the additional electric device the function of the firstoperating device.

With the operating system according to the fifth aspect, it is possibleto reliably assign the additional electric device the function of thefirst operating device.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the fifth aspect is configured so that thefirst communicator includes a first wireless communicator configured towirelessly transmit the first control signal. The additionalcommunicator includes an additional wireless communicator configured towirelessly transmit the first control signal if the controller assignsthe additional electric device the function of the first operatingdevice.

With the operating system according to the sixth aspect, it is possibleto wirelessly transmit the first control signal using the first wirelesscommunicator and the additional wireless communicator. Thus, it ispossible to omit an electric cable, simplifying the structure of theoperating system.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the fifth aspect is configured so that thefirst communicator includes a first communication port configured to beconnected to a first electric cable, the first communicator beingconfigured to transmit the first control signal via the firstcommunication port. The additional communicator includes an additionalcommunication port configured to be connected to an additional electriccable, the additional communicator being configured to transmit thefirst control signal via the additional communication port if thecontroller assigns the additional electric device the function of thefirst operating device.

With the operating system according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to transmit the first control signal using an electric cable.Thus, it is possible to reliably transmit the first control signalregardless of environmental radio wave.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects isconfigured so that the controller includes a communicator configured tocommunicate with the first communicator. The controller is configured toreceive first communication-state information indicating a communicationstate between the communicator of the controller and the firstcommunicator of the first operating device. The controller is configuredto determine whether the first operating device meets the firstpredetermined condition based on the first communication-stateinformation.

With the operating system according to the eighth aspect, it is possibleto operate a component using the additional electric device if the firstoperating device meets the first predetermined condition based on thefirst communication-state information.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the first aspect further comprises asecond operating device configured to output a second control signal.The controller is configured to determine whether the second operatingdevice meets a second predetermined condition. The controller isconfigured to assign, if the second operating device meets the secondpredetermined condition, the additional electric device a function ofthe second operating device so that the additional electric deviceoutputs the second control signal.

With the operating system according to the ninth aspect, it is possibleto operate a component using the additional electric device if thesecond operating device meets the second predetermined condition. Thus,it is possible to improve convenience of the operating system.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the ninth aspect is configured so that thesecond operating device includes a second electric power source. Thecontroller is configured to determine whether the second operatingdevice meets the second predetermined condition in which a secondremaining level of the second electric power source is equal to or lowerthan a second threshold.

With the operating system according to the tenth aspect, it is possibleto operate a component using the additional electric device if thesecond remaining level of the second electric power source is equal toor lower than the second threshold. Thus, it is possible to use theadditional electric device as a backup device for the second operatingdevice.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the tenth aspect is configured so that thecontroller is configured to receive second power-level informationindicating the second remaining level of the second electric powersource from the second operating device. The controller is configured todetermine whether the second operating device meets the secondpredetermined condition based on the second power-level information.

With the operating system according to the eleventh aspect, it ispossible to use the additional electric device as a backup device forthe second operating device even if the second remaining level of thesecond electric power source is equal to or lower than the secondthreshold.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the eleventh aspect is configured so thatthe second operating device includes a second power-level detectorconfigured to detect the second remaining level of the second electricpower source. The controller is configured to receive the secondpower-level information based on the second remaining level detected bythe second power-level detector.

With the operating system according to the twelfth aspect, it ispossible to reliably obtain the second power-level information.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the ninth aspect further comprises theadditional electric device. The second operating device includes asecond communicator configured to transmit the second control signal.The additional electric device includes an additional communicatorconfigured to transmit the second control signal if the controllerassigns the additional electric device the function of the secondoperating device.

With the operating system according to the thirteenth aspect, it ispossible to reliably assign the additional electric device the functionof the second operating device.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the thirteenth aspect is configured sothat the second communicator includes a second wireless communicatorconfigured to wirelessly transmit the second control signal. Theadditional communicator includes an additional wireless communicatorconfigured to wirelessly transmit the second control signal if thecontroller assigns the additional electric device the function of thesecond operating device.

With the operating system according to the fourteenth aspect, it ispossible to wirelessly transmit the second control signal using thesecond wireless communicator and the additional wireless communicator.Thus, it is possible to omit an electric cable, simplifying thestructure of the operating system.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the thirteenth aspect is configured sothat the second communicator includes a second communication portconfigured to be connected to a second electric cable. The secondcommunicator is configured to transmit the second control signal via thesecond communication port. The additional communicator includes anadditional communication port configured to be connected to anadditional electric cable. The additional communicator is configured totransmit the second control signal via the additional communication portif the controller assigns the additional electric device the function ofthe second operating device.

With the operating system according to the fifteenth aspect, it ispossible to transmit the second control signal using an electric cable.Thus, it is possible to reliably transmit the second control signalregardless of environmental radio wave.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenthaspects is configured so that the controller includes a communicatorconfigured to communicate with the second communicator. The controlleris configured to receive second communication-state informationindicating a communication state between the communicator of thecontroller and the second communicator of the second operating device.The controller is configured to determine whether the second operatingdevice meets the second predetermined condition based on the secondcommunication-state information.

With the operating system according to the sixteenth aspect, it ispossible to operate a component using the additional electric device ifthe second operating device meets the second predetermined conditionbased on the second communication-state information.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspectsis configured so that the first operating device includes a first userinterface. The additional electric device includes an additional userinterface. The controller is configured to assign, if the firstoperating device meets the first predetermined condition, the additionaluser interface a function of the first user interface.

With the operating system according to the seventeenth aspect, it ispossible to operate a component using the additional user interface ofthe additional electric device if the first operating device meets thefirst predetermined condition.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to the seventeenth aspect is configured sothat the first user interface includes a first electrical switch. Theadditional user interface includes a display and a virtual switchdisplayed on the display. The controller is configured to assign, if thefirst operating device meets the first predetermined condition, thevirtual switch a function of the first electrical switch.

With the operating system according to the eighteenth aspect, it ispossible to operate a component using the virtual switch of theadditional electric device if the first operating device meets the firstpredetermined condition.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, theoperating system according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspectsfurther comprises a notification device configured to notify a user thatthe first operating device meets the first predetermined condition.

With the operating system according to the nineteenth aspect, it ispossible to notify a user that the first operating device meets thefirst predetermined condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a human-powered vehicle includingan operating system in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an operating system in accordancewith a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system illustratedin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operating system illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a human-powered vehicle includingan operating system in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts of the operating system of thehuman-powered vehicle illustrated in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a human-powered vehicle VH includes anoperating system 10 in accordance with a first embodiment. For example,the human-powered vehicle VH is a vehicle to travel with a motive powerincluding at least a human power of a user who rides the human-poweredvehicle VH (i.e., rider). The human-powered vehicle VH has an arbitrarynumber of wheels. For example, the human-powered vehicle VH has at leastone wheel. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle VH preferablyhas a smaller size than that of a four-wheeled automobile. However, thehuman-powered vehicle VH can have an arbitrary size. Examples of thehuman-powered vehicle VH include a bicycle, a tricycle, and a kickscooter. In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle VH is a bicycle.An electric assisting system including an electric motor can be appliedto the human-powered vehicle VH (e.g., the bicycle) to assist muscularmotive power of the user. Namely, the human-powered vehicle VH can be anE-bike. While the human-powered vehicle VH is illustrated as a roadbike, the operating system 10 can be applied to mountain bikes or anytype of human-powered vehicles.

The human-powered vehicle VH further includes a vehicle body VH1, asaddle VH2, a handlebar VH3, a front fork VH4, a front wheel W1, and arear wheel W2. The front fork VH4 is rotatably mounted to the vehiclebody VH1. The handlebar VH3 is secured to the front fork VH4. The frontwheel W1 is rotatably coupled to the front fork VH4. The rear wheel W2is rotatably coupled to the vehicle body VH1.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,”“rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who is in the user's standard position (e.g., on the saddle VH2or a seat) in the human-powered vehicle VH with facing the handlebarVH3. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the operatingsystem 10 or other components, should be interpreted relative to thehuman-powered vehicle VH equipped with the operating system 10 as usedin an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

The human-powered vehicle VH includes a crank CR, a front sprocketassembly FS, a rear sprocket assembly RS, a chain C, an electriccomponent RD, an electric component FD, and a power supply PS. The frontsprocket assembly FS is secured to the crank CR. The rear sprocketassembly RS is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body VH1. The chain C isengaged with the front sprocket assembly FS and the rear sprocketassembly RS. The electric component RD is mounted to the vehicle bodyVH1 and is configured to shift the chain C relative to the rear sprocketassembly RS to change a gear position. Each of the electric componentsRD and FD includes a gear changing device such as a derailleur. Theelectric component FD is mounted to the vehicle body VH1 and isconfigured to shift the chain C relative to the front sprocket assemblyFS to change a gear position. In this embodiment, the power supply PS isprovided in a seatpost VH11 of the vehicle body VH1. However, thelocation of the power supply PS is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 2, the human-powered vehicle VH includes an electriccommunication path CP. The power supply PS is electrically connected tothe electric component RD and the electric component FD with theelectric communication path CP to supply electricity to the electriccomponent RD and the electric component FD.

The electric communication path CP includes a junction J1 and electriccables C1 to C3. Each of the electric cables C1 to C3 includes electricconnectors at both ends thereof. The junction J1 is electricallyconnected to the power supply PS with the electric cable C1. Thejunction J1 is electrically connected to the electric component FD withthe electric cable C2. The junction J1 is electrically connected to theelectric component RD with the electric cable C3.

The operating system 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH comprises afirst operating device 16. The operating system 10 further comprises asecond operating device 18. The operating system 10 further comprises anadditional electric device 20. Examples of the additional electricdevice 20 include a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a cycle computer.However, at least one of the additional electric device 20 and thesecond operating device 18 can be omitted from the operating system 10.

The first operating device 16 is configured to output a first controlsignal CS11. The first operating device 16 is configured to receive afirst user input U11, a first additional user input U12, and a firstadditional user input U13. The first operating device 16 is configuredto output the first control signal CS11 in response to the first userinput U11. The first operating device 16 is configured to output a firstadditional control signal CS12 in response to the first additional userinput U12. The first operating device 16 is configured to output a firstadditional control signal CS13 in response to the first additional userinput U13.

The second operating device 18 is configured to output a second controlsignal CS21. The second operating device 18 is configured to receive asecond user input U21, a second additional user input U22, and a secondadditional user input U23. The second operating device 18 is configuredto output the second control signal CS21 in response to the second userinput U21. The second operating device 18 is configured to output asecond additional control signal CS22 in response to the secondadditional user input U22. The second operating device 18 is configuredto output a second additional control signal CS23 in response to thesecond additional user input U23.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first operating device 16 includes a first userinterface 16A. The first user interface 16A is configured to receive thefirst user input U11, the first additional user input U12, and the firstadditional user input U13. The first user interface 16A includes a firstelectrical switch SW11. The first electrical switch SW11 is configuredto receive the first user input U11. The first user interface 16Aincludes a first additional electrical switch SW12 and a firstadditional electrical switch SW13. The first additional electricalswitch SW12 is configured to receive the first additional user inputU12. The first additional electrical switch SW13 is configured toreceive the first additional user input U13.

The first electrical switch SW11 includes a normally open switch.Examples of the first electrical switch SW11 includes a push-buttonswitch and a lever switch. The first additional electrical switch SW12includes a normally open switch. Examples of the first additionalelectrical switch SW12 includes a push-button switch and a lever switch.The first additional electrical switch SW13 includes a normally openswitch. Examples of the first additional electrical switch SW13 includesa push-button switch and a lever switch. However, the structure of thefirst user interface 16A is not limited to this embodiment. The firstuser interface 16A can include another structure such as a touch panelinstead of or in additional to the first electrical switch SW11, thefirst additional electrical switch SW12, and/or the first additionalelectrical switch SW13.

The first operating device 16 includes a first communicator 16Bconfigured to transmit the first control signal CS11. The firstcommunicator 16B is configured to be electrically connected to the firstuser interface 16A. The first communicator 16B is configured to beelectrically connected to the first electrical switch SW11 to generateand transmit the first control signal CS11 in response to the first userinput U11. The first communicator 16B is configured to be electricallyconnected to the first additional electrical switch SW12 to generate andtransmit the first additional control signal CS12 in response to thefirst additional user input U12. The first communicator 16B isconfigured to be electrically connected to the first additionalelectrical switch SW13 to generate and transmit the first additionalcontrol signal CS13 in response to the first additional user input U13.

In this embodiment, the first communicator 16B includes a first wirelesscommunicator WC1 configured to wirelessly transmit the first controlsignal CS11. The first wireless communicator WC1 is configured towirelessly receive information. The first wireless communicator WC1 isconfigured to be electrically connected to the first user interface 16A.The first wireless communicator WC1 is configured to be electricallyconnected to the first electrical switch SW11 to generate and transmitthe first control signal CS11 in response to the first user input U11.The first wireless communicator WC1 is configured to be electricallyconnected to the first additional electrical switch SW12 to generate andtransmit the first additional control signal CS12 in response to thefirst additional user input U12. The first wireless communicator WC1 isconfigured to be electrically connected to the first additionalelectrical switch SW13 to generate and transmit the first additionalcontrol signal CS13 in response to the first additional user input U13.

The first communicator 16B includes a first processor 16P, a firstmemory 16M, a first circuit board 16C, and a first system bus 16D. Thefirst processor 16P and the first memory 16M are electrically mounted onthe first circuit board 16C. The first processor 16P includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The first memory 16M iselectrically connected to the first processor 16P. The first memory 16Mincludes a read only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). Thefirst memory 16M includes storage areas each having an address in theROM and the RAM. The first processor 16P is configured to control thefirst memory 16M to store data in the storage areas of the first memory16M and reads data from the storage areas of the first memory 16M. Thefirst circuit board 16C, the first electrical switch SW11, the firstadditional electrical switch SW12, and the first additional electricalswitch SW13 are electrically connected to the first system bus 16D. Thefirst electrical switch SW11, the first additional electrical switchSW12, and the first additional electrical switch SW13 are electricallyconnected to the first processor 16P and the first memory 16M with thefirst circuit board 16C and the first system bus 16D. The first memory16M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the firstprocessor 16P, and thereby the configuration and/or algorithm of thefirst communicator 16B is performed.

The first wireless communicator WC1 is electrically mounted on the firstcircuit board 16C. The first wireless communicator WC1 is electricallyconnected to the first processor 16P and the first memory 16M with thefirst circuit board 16C and the first system bus 16D. The first wirelesscommunicator WC1 includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signalreceiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the first wireless communicatorWC1 can also be referred to as a first wireless communication circuitWC1.

The first wireless communicator WC1 is configured to superimpose digitalsignals such as the first control signal CS11 and the first additionalcontrol signal CS12 on carrier wave using a predetermined wirelesscommunication protocol to wirelessly transmit the first control signalCS11 and the first additional control signal CS12. In this embodiment,the first wireless communicator WC1 is configured to encrypt a controlsignal (e.g., the first control signal CS11 or the first additionalcontrol signal CS12) using a cryptographic key to generate encryptedwireless signals.

The first wireless communicator WC1 is configured to receives a wirelesssignal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the first wirelesscommunicator WC1 is configured to decode the wireless signal torecognize signals and/or information wirelessly transmitted from anotherwireless communicator. The first wireless communicator WC1 is configuredto decrypt the wireless signal using the cryptographic key.

The first operating device 16 includes a first electric power source16E. The first electric power source 16E is configured to supplyelectricity to the first communicator 16B. The first electric powersource 16E is configured to be electrically connected to the firstcommunicator 16B. In this embodiment, the first electric power source16E includes a first battery 16F and a first battery holder 16G. Thefirst battery 16F includes a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery.The first battery holder 16G is configured to be electrically connectedto the first communicator 16B via the first circuit board 16C and thefirst system bus 16D. The first battery 16F is configured to bedetachably attached to the first battery holder 16G. However, the firstelectric power source 16E is not limited to this embodiment. Forexample, the first electric power source 16E can include anothercomponent such as a capacitor and an electricity generation element(e.g., a piezoelectric element) instead of or in addition to the firstbattery 16F and the first battery holder 16G.

The first operating device 16 includes a first power-level detector 16Hconfigured to detect a first remaining level of the first electric powersource 16E. The first power-level detector 16H is configured to beelectrically connected to the first electric power source 16E. In thisembodiment, the first power-level detector 16H is configured to detectthe first remaining level of the first battery 16F of the first electricpower source 16E. The first power-level detector 16H is configured toperiodically detect the first remaining level of the first battery 16Fof the first electric power source 16E. The first power-level detector16H is configured to generate first power-level information PL1indicating the first remaining level of the first electric power source16E. The first memory 16M is configured to store the first power-levelinformation PL1. The first communicator 16B is configured to wirelesslytransmit the first power-level information PL1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first operating device 16 includes a first basemember 16K and a first operating member 16L. The first operating member16L is movably coupled to the first base member 16K. The firstelectrical switch SW11 and the first additional electrical switch SW12are mounted to the first operating member 16L. The first additionalelectrical switch SW13 is mounted to the first base member 16K withoutthe first operating member 16L. However, the locations of the electricalswitches SW11, SW12 and SW13 are not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second operating device 18 includes a second userinterface 18A. The second user interface 18A is configured to receivethe second user input U21, the second additional user input U22, and thesecond additional user input U23. The second user interface 18A includesa second electrical switch SW21. The second electrical switch SW21 isconfigured to receive the second user input U21. The second userinterface 18A includes a second additional electrical switch SW22 and asecond additional electrical switch SW23. The second additionalelectrical switch SW22 is configured to receive the second additionaluser input U22. The second additional electrical switch SW23 isconfigured to receive the second additional user input U23.

The second electrical switch SW21 includes a normally open switch.Examples of the second electrical switch SW21 includes a push-buttonswitch and a lever switch. The second additional electrical switch SW22includes a normally open switch. Examples of the second additionalelectrical switch SW22 includes a push-button switch and a lever switch.The second additional electrical switch SW23 includes a normally openswitch. Examples of the second additional electrical switch SW23includes a push-button switch and a lever switch. However, the structureof the second user interface 18A is not limited to this embodiment. Thesecond user interface 18A can include another structure such as a touchpanel instead of or in additional to the second electrical switch SW21,the second additional electrical switch SW22, and/or the secondadditional electrical switch SW23.

The second operating device 18 includes a second communicator 18Bconfigured to transmit the second control signal CS21. The secondcommunicator 18B is configured to be electrically connected to thesecond user interface 18A. The second communicator 18B is configured tobe electrically connected to the second electrical switch SW21 togenerate and transmit the second control signal CS21 in response to thesecond user input U21. The second communicator 18B is configured to beelectrically connected to the second additional electrical switch SW22to generate and transmit the second additional control signal CS22 inresponse to the second additional user input U22. The secondcommunicator 18B is configured to be electrically connected to thesecond additional electrical switch SW23 to generate and transmit thesecond additional control signal CS23 in response to the secondadditional user input U23.

In this embodiment, the second communicator 18B includes a secondwireless communicator WC2 configured to wirelessly transmit the secondcontrol signal CS21. The second wireless communicator WC2 is configuredto wirelessly receive information. The second wireless communicator WC2is configured to be electrically connected to the second user interface18A. The second wireless communicator WC2 is configured to beelectrically connected to the second electrical switch SW21 to generateand transmit the second control signal CS21 in response to the seconduser input U21. The second wireless communicator WC2 is configured to beelectrically connected to the second additional electrical switch SW22to generate and transmit the second additional control signal CS22 inresponse to the second additional user input U22. The second wirelesscommunicator WC2 is configured to be electrically connected to thesecond additional electrical switch SW23 to generate and transmit thesecond additional control signal CS23 in response to the secondadditional user input U23.

The second communicator 18B includes a second processor 18P, a secondmemory 18M, a second circuit board 18C, and a second system bus 18D. Thesecond processor 18P and the second memory 18M are electrically mountedon the second circuit board 18C. The second processor 18P includes a CPUand a memory controller. The second memory 18M is electrically connectedto the second processor 18P. The second memory 18M includes a ROM and aRAM. The second memory 18M includes storage areas each having an addressin the ROM and the RAM. The second processor 18P is configured tocontrol the second memory 18M to store data in the storage areas of thesecond memory 18M and reads data from the storage areas of the secondmemory 18M. The second circuit board 18C, the second electrical switchSW21, the second additional electrical switch SW22, and the secondadditional electrical switch SW23 are electrically connected to thesecond system bus 18D. The second electrical switch SW21, the secondadditional electrical switch SW22, and the second additional electricalswitch SW23 are electrically connected to the second processor 18P andthe second memory 18M with the second circuit board 18C and the secondsystem bus 18D. The second memory 18M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program.The program is read into the second processor 18P, and thereby theconfiguration and/or algorithm of the second communicator 18B isperformed.

The second wireless communicator WC2 is electrically mounted on thesecond circuit board 18C. The second wireless communicator WC2 iselectrically connected to the second processor 18P and the second memory18M with the second circuit board 18C and the second system bus 18D. Thesecond wireless communicator WC2 includes a signal transmitting circuit,a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the second wirelesscommunicator WC2 can also be referred to as a second wirelesscommunication circuit WC2.

The second wireless communicator WC2 is configured to superimposedigital signals such as the second control signal CS21 and the secondadditional control signal CS22 on carrier wave using a predeterminedwireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit the secondcontrol signal CS21 and the second additional control signal CS22. Inthis embodiment, the second wireless communicator WC2 is configured toencrypt a control signal (e.g., the second control signal CS21 or thesecond additional control signal CS22) using a cryptographic key togenerate encrypted wireless signals.

The second wireless communicator WC2 is configured to receives awireless signal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the second wirelesscommunicator WC2 is configured to decode the wireless signal torecognize signals and/or information wirelessly transmitted from anotherwireless communicator. The second wireless communicator WC2 isconfigured to decrypt the wireless signal using the cryptographic key.

The second operating device 18 includes a second electric power source18E. The second electric power source 18E is configured to supplyelectricity to the second communicator 18B. The second electric powersource 18E is configured to be electrically connected to the secondcommunicator 18B. In this embodiment, the second electric power source18E includes a second battery 18F and a second battery holder 18G. Thesecond battery 18F includes a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery.The second battery holder 18G is configured to be electrically connectedto the second communicator 18B via the second circuit board 18C and thesecond system bus 18D. The second battery 18F is configured to bedetachably attached to the second battery holder 18G. However, thesecond electric power source 18E is not limited to this embodiment. Forexample, the second electric power source 18E can include anothercomponent such as a capacitor and an electricity generation element(e.g., a piezoelectric element) instead of or in addition to the secondbattery 18F and the second battery holder 18G.

The second operating device 18 includes a second power-level detector18H configured to detect the second remaining level of the secondelectric power source 18E. The second power-level detector 18H isconfigured to be electrically connected to the second electric powersource 18E. In this embodiment, the second power-level detector 18H isconfigured to detect the second remaining level of the second battery18F of the second electric power source 18E. The second power-leveldetector 18H is configured to periodically detect the second remaininglevel of the second battery 18F of the second electric power source 18E.The second power-level detector 18H is configured to generate secondpower-level information PL2 indicating the second remaining level of thesecond electric power source 18E. The second memory 18M is configured tostore the second power-level information PL2. The second communicator18B is configured to wirelessly transmit the second power-levelinformation PL2.

As seen in FIG. 2, the second operating device 18 includes a second basemember 18K and a second operating member 18L. The second operatingmember 18L is movably coupled to the second base member 18K. The secondelectrical switch SW21 and the second additional electrical switch SW22are mounted to the second operating member 18L. The second additionalelectrical switch SW23 is mounted to the second base member 18K withoutthe second operating member 18L. However, the locations of theelectrical switches SW21, SW22 and SW23 are not limited to thisembodiment.

As seen in FIG. 3, the additional electric device 20 includes anadditional user interface 20A. The additional user interface 20A isconfigured to receive an additional user input U3. In this embodiment,the additional user interface 20A includes a display 20S. The additionaluser interface 20A includes a touch panel 20T. The display 20S isconfigured to display information relating to the human-powered vehicleVH. The touch panel 20T is mounted to the display 20S. However, thestructure of the additional user interface 20A is not limited to thisembodiment. The additional user interface 20A can include anotherstructure such as an electrical switch.

The additional electric device 20 includes an additional communicator20B. The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit anadditional control signal CS31. The additional communicator 20B isconfigured to receive vehicle information CS32 relating to thehuman-powered vehicle VH. The additional communicator 20B is configuredto be electrically connected to the additional user interface 20A. Theadditional communicator 20B is configured to be electrically connectedto the touch panel 20T to generate and transmit the additional controlsignal CS31 in response to the additional user input U3. For example,the additional control signal CS31 includes a command to control anothercomponent.

In this embodiment, the additional user interface 20A includes a virtualswitch SW3 configured to receive the additional user input U3. Thedisplay 20S is configured to display the virtual switch SW3. The touchpanel 20T is configured to detect that the user touches the virtualswitch SW3. The additional communicator 20B is configured to generateand output the additional control signal CS31 in response to theadditional user input U3 received by the virtual switch SW3.

In this embodiment, the additional communicator 20B includes anadditional wireless communicator WC3. The additional wirelesscommunicator WC3 is configured to wirelessly transmit the additionalcontrol signal CS31. The additional wireless communicator WC3 isconfigured to wirelessly receive the vehicle information CS32. Theadditional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to be electricallyconnected to the additional user interface 20A. The additional wirelesscommunicator WC3 is configured to be electrically connected to the touchpanel 20T to generate and transmit the additional control signal CS31 inresponse to the additional user input U3.

The additional communicator 20B includes a processor 20P, a memory 20M,a circuit board 20C, and a system bus 20D. The processor 20P and thememory 20M are electrically mounted on the circuit board 20C. Theprocessor 20P includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 20M iselectrically connected to the processor 20P. The memory 20M includes aROM and a RAM. The memory 20M includes storage areas each having anaddress in the ROM and the RAM. The processor 20P is configured tocontrol the memory 20M to store data in the storage areas of the memory20M and reads data from the storage areas of the memory 20M. The circuitboard 20C and the touch panel 20T are electrically connected to thesystem bus 20D. The touch panel 20T is electrically connected to theprocessor 20P and the memory 20M with the circuit board 20C and thesystem bus 20D. The memory 20M (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. Theprogram is read into the processor 20P, and thereby the configurationand/or algorithm of the additional communicator 20B is performed.

The additional wireless communicator WC3 is electrically mounted on thecircuit board 20C. The additional wireless communicator WC3 iselectrically connected to the processor 20P and the memory 20M with thecircuit board 20C and the system bus 20D. The additional wirelesscommunicator WC3 includes a signal transmitting circuit, a signalreceiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus, the additional wirelesscommunicator WC3 can also be referred to as an additional wirelesscommunication circuit WC3.

The additional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to superimposedigital signals such as the additional control signal CS31 on carrierwave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelesslytransmit the additional control signal CS31. In this embodiment, theadditional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to encrypt a controlsignal (e.g., the additional control signal CS31) using a cryptographickey to generate encrypted wireless signals.

The additional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to receives awireless signal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the additionalwireless communicator WC3 is configured to decode the wireless signal torecognize signals and/or information (e.g., the vehicle informationCS32) wirelessly transmitted from another wireless communicator. Theadditional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to decrypt thewireless signal using the cryptographic key.

The additional electric device 20 includes an electric power source 20E.The electric power source 20E is configured to supply electricity to theadditional communicator 20B. The electric power source 20E is configuredto be electrically connected to the additional communicator 20B. In thisembodiment, the electric power source 20E includes a battery 20F and abattery holder 20G. The battery 20F includes a replaceable and/orrechargeable battery. The battery holder 20G is configured to beelectrically connected to the additional communicator 20B via thecircuit board 20C and the system bus 20D. The battery 20F is configuredto be detachably attached to the battery holder 20G. However, theelectric power source 20E is not limited to this embodiment. Forexample, the electric power source 20E can include another componentsuch as a capacitor and an electricity generation element (e.g., apiezoelectric element) instead of or in addition to the battery 20F andthe battery holder 20G.

The additional electric device 20 includes a power-level detector 20Hconfigured to detect the remaining level of the electric power source20E. The power-level detector 20H is configured to be electricallyconnected to the electric power source 20E. In this embodiment, thepower-level detector 20H is configured to detect the remaining level ofthe battery 20F of the electric power source 20E. The power-leveldetector 20H is configured to periodically detect the remaining level ofthe battery 20F of the electric power source 20E. The power-leveldetector 20H is configured to generate power-level information PL3indicating the remaining level of the electric power source 20E. Thememory 20M is configured to store the power-level information PL3. Theadditional communicator 20B is configured to wirelessly transmit thepower-level information PL3.

As seen in FIG. 3, the operating system 10 for the human-powered vehiclecomprises a controller 22. The controller 22 is configured to becommunicate with the first operating device 16, the second operatingdevice 18, and the additional electric device 20. In this embodiment,the controller 22 is configured to be mounted to the electric componentRD. However, the controller 22 can be mounted to another device such asthe first operating device 16, the second operating device 18, theadditional electric device 20, the electric component FD, the powersupply PS, and the junction J1.

The controller 22 includes a processor 22P, a memory 22M, a circuitboard 22C, and a system bus 22D. The processor 22P and the memory 22Mare electrically mounted on the circuit board 22C. The processor 22Pincludes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory 22M is electricallyconnected to the processor 22P. The memory 22M includes a ROM and a RAM.The memory 22M includes storage areas each having an address in the ROMand the RAM. The processor 22P is configured to control the memory 22Mto store data in the storage areas of the memory 22M and reads data fromthe storage areas of the memory 22M. The memory 22M (e.g., the ROM)stores a program. The program is read into the processor 22P, andthereby the configuration and/or algorithm of the communicator 22B isperformed.

The controller 22 includes a communicator 22B. The communicator 22B isconfigured to communicate with the first communicator 16B. Thecommunicator 22B is configured to communicate with the secondcommunicator 18B. The communicator 22B is configured to communicate withthe additional communicator 20B.

In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to receive the firstcontrol signal CS11 and the first additional control signal CS12 fromthe first operating device 16. The controller 22 is configured toreceive the first power-level information PL1 indicating the firstremaining level of the first electric power source 16E from the firstoperating device 16. The controller 22 is configured to receive thefirst power-level information PL1 based on the first remaining leveldetected by the first power-level detector 16H.

The controller 22 is configured to receive the second control signalCS21 and the second additional control signal CS22 from the secondoperating device 18. The controller 22 is configured to receive thesecond power-level information PL2 indicating the second remaining levelof the electric power source 20E from the second operating device 18.The controller 22 is configured to receive the second power-levelinformation PL2 based on the second remaining level detected by thesecond power-level detector 18H.

The controller 22 is configured to receive the additional control signalCS31 from the additional electric device 20 and the power-levelinformation PL3. The controller 22 is configured to transmit the vehicleinformation CS32 to the additional electric device 20.

The controller 22 is configured to receive first communication-stateinformation CL1 indicating a communication state between thecommunicator 22B of the controller 22 and the first communicator 16B ofthe first operating device 16. The controller 22 is configured todetermine whether the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition based on the first communication-stateinformation CL1. In this embodiment, the first communication-stateinformation CL1 includes signal strength of radio waves transmitted fromthe first operating device 16. However, the first communication-stateinformation CL1 can include other information such as an acknowledgesignal from the first operating device 16.

The controller 22 is configured to receive second communication-stateinformation CL2 indicating a communication state between thecommunicator 22B of the controller 22 and the second communicator 18B ofthe second operating device 18. The controller 22 is configured todetermine whether the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition based on the second communication-stateinformation CL2. In this embodiment, the second communication-stateinformation CL2 includes signal strength of radio waves transmitted fromthe second operating device 18. However, the second communication-stateinformation CL2 can include other information such as an acknowledgesignal from the second operating device 18.

In this embodiment, the communicator 22B includes a wirelesscommunicator WC4 configured to wirelessly receive the first controlsignal CS11, the first additional control signal CS12, the secondcontrol signal CS21, the second additional control signal CS22, theadditional control signal CS31, the first power-level information PL1,the second power-level information PL2, and the power-level informationPL3. The wireless communicator WC4 is configured to wirelessly transmitsignals or other information such as the vehicle information CS32.

The wireless communicator WC4 is electrically mounted on the circuitboard 22C. The wireless communicator WC4 is electrically connected tothe processor 22P and the memory 22M with the circuit board 22C and thesystem bus 22D. The wireless communicator WC4 includes a signaltransmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus,the wireless communicator WC4 can also be referred to as a wirelesscommunication circuit WC4.

The wireless communicator WC4 is configured to superimpose digitalsignals such as the vehicle information CS32 on carrier wave using apredetermined wireless communication protocol to wirelessly transmit thevehicle information CS32. In this embodiment, the wireless communicatorWC4 is configured to encrypt a control signal (e.g., the vehicleinformation CS32) using a cryptographic key to generate encryptedwireless signals.

The wireless communicator WC4 is configured to receives a wirelesssignal via the antenna. In this embodiment, the wireless communicatorWC4 is configured to decode the wireless signal to recognize the firstcontrol signal CS11, the first additional control signals CS12 and CS13,the second control signal CS21, the second additional control signalsCS22 and CS23, the additional control signal CS31, the first power-levelinformation PL1, the second power-level information PL2, and/or thepower-level information PL3 which are wirelessly transmitted from thefirst wireless communicator WC1, the second wireless communicator WC2,and/or the additional wireless communicator WC3. The wirelesscommunicator WC4 is configured to decrypt the wireless signal using thecryptographic key.

The controller 22 is configured to generate a first control command CC11based on the first control signal CS11. The controller 22 is configuredto generate a first additional control command CC12 based on the firstadditional control signal CS12. The controller 22 is configured togenerate a second control command CC21 based on the second controlsignal CS21. The controller 22 is configured to generate a secondadditional control command CC22 based on the second additional controlsignal CS22.

The first control signal CS11, the first additional control signals CS12and CS13, the second control signal CS21, and the second additionalcontrol signals CS22 and CS23 are different from each other. The firstcontrol command CC11, the first additional control command CC12, thesecond control command CC21, and the second additional control commandCC22 are different from each other.

In this embodiment, the first control signal CS11 and the first controlcommand CC11 indicate upshifting of the electric component RD. The firstadditional control signal CS12 and the first additional control commandCC12 indicate downshifting of the electric component RD. The firstadditional control signal CS13 can indicate the upshifting, thedownshifting, or another command to operate another electric componentsuch as the additional electric device 20, an assist driving unit, anadjustable seatpost, an internal gear hub, a front suspension, a rearsuspension, or a light emitting device. The second control signal CS21and the second control command CC21 indicate upshifting of the electriccomponent FD. The second additional control signal CS22 and the secondadditional control command CC22 indicate downshifting of the electriccomponent FD. The second additional control signal CS23 can indicate theupshifting, the downshifting, or another command to operate anotherelectric component such as the additional electric device 20, an assistdriving unit, an adjustable seatpost, an internal gear hub, a frontsuspension, a rear suspension, or a light emitting device. The controlsignals CS11, CS12, CS21 and CS22 and the control commands CC11, CC12,CC21 and CC22 can indicate other commands to operate other devices suchas an assist driving unit, an adjustable seatpost, an internal gear hub,a front suspension, a rear suspension, and a light emitting device.

As seen in FIG. 3, the electric component RD includes a base member RD1,a chain guide RD2, an actuator RD3, a position sensor RD4, and anactuator driver RD5. The base member RD1 is mounted to the vehicle bodyVH1 (see e.g., FIG. 1). The chain guide RD2 is movably coupled to thebase member RD1 and is configured to engage with the chain C. Theactuator RD3 is configured to move the chain guide RD2 relative to thebase member RD1 to shift the chain C relative to the rear sprocketassembly RS. Examples of the actuator RD3 include a direct current motorand a stepper motor.

The actuator driver RD5 is electrically connected to the actuator RD3 tocontrol the actuator RD3 based on the first control command CC11 and thefirst additional control command CC12 generated by the controller 22.Examples of the actuator RD3 include a direct-current (DC) motor and astepper motor. The actuator RD3 includes a rotational shaft operativelycoupled to the chain guide RD2. The position sensor RD4 is configured tosense a current gear position of the electric component RD. Examples ofthe position sensor RD4 include a potentiometer and a rotary encoder.The position sensor RD4 is configured to sense an absolute rotationalposition of the rotational shaft of the actuator RD3 as the current gearposition of the electric component RD. The actuator RD3 and the positionsensor RD4 are electrically connected to the actuator driver RD5.

The actuator driver RD5 is configured to control the actuator RD3 tomove the chain guide RD2 relative to the base member RD1 by one gearposition in an upshift direction based on the first control command CC11and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor RD4. Theactuator driver RD5 is configured to control the actuator RD3 to movethe chain guide RD2 relative to the base member RD1 by one gear positionin a downshift direction based on the first additional control commandCC12 and the current gear position sensed by the position sensor RD4.

The electric component FD has substantially the same structure as thestructure of the electric component RD. Thus, it will not be describedin detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 2, the electric components RD and FD communicate witheach other via the electric communication path CP using power linecommunication (PLC) technology. More specifically, each of the electriccables C1 to C3 includes a ground line and a voltage line that aredetachably connected to a serial bus that is formed by communicationinterfaces and the junction J1. In this embodiment, the electriccomponent RD, the electric component FD, and the power supply PS can allcommunicate with each other through the voltage line using the PLCtechnology.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second control command CC21 and the secondadditional control command CC22 are transmitted from the controller 22to the electric component FD through the electric communication path CP.However, the electric component FD can include a wireless communicatorconfigured to wirelessly receive the second control signal CS21 and thesecond additional control signal CS22. In such embodiment, the powersupply PS, the electric cables C1 to C3, and the junction J1 can beomitted from the operating system 10. Instead, each of the electriccomponents RD and FD can include a power supply.

The PLC technology is used for communicating between electriccomponents. The PLC carries data on a conductor that is also usedsimultaneously for electric power transmission or electric powerdistribution to the electric components. In this embodiment, electricityis supplied from the power supply PS to the electric component RD, andthe electric component FD via the electric communication path CP.Furthermore, the controller 22 can receive information signals from theelectric component RD, the electric component FD, and the power supplyPS through the electric communication path CP using the PLC.

The PLC uses unique identifying information such as a unique identifierthat is assigned to each of the electric component RD, the electriccomponent FD, and the power supply PS. Each of the electric componentsRD, FD, and PS includes a memory in which the unique identifyinginformation is stored. Based on the unique identifying information, eachof the electric components RD, FD, and PS is configured to recognize,based on the unique identifying information, information signals whichare necessary for itself among information signals transmitted via theelectric communication path CP. For example, the controller 22 isconfigured to recognize information signals transmitted from theelectric component RD, the electric component FD, and the power supplyPS with the electric communication path CP. Instead of using the PLCtechnology, however, separate signal wires can be provided fortransmitting data in addition to the ground wire and the voltage wire ifneeded and/or desired.

The communicator 22B includes a PLC controller 22E. The PLC controller22E is connected to the electric communication path CP, the electriccomponent RD, and the system bus 22D. The PLC controller PC isconfigured to separate input signals to a power source voltage andcontrol signals. The PLC controller 22E is configured to regulate thepower source voltage to a level at which the controller 22 and theelectric component RD can properly operate. The PLC controller 22E isfurther configured to superimpose output signals such as the secondcontrol command CC21 and the second additional control command CC22 onthe power source voltage applied to the electric communication path CPfrom the power supply PS.

Each of the electric component FD and the power supply PS includes a PLCcontroller having substantially the same structure as the structure ofthe PLC controller 22E. Thus, they will not be described in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 3, the controller 22 is configured to determine whetherthe first operating device 16 meets a first predetermined condition. Inthis embodiment, the first predetermined condition includes a firstbackup condition in which the first operating device 16 needs a backupdevice configured to receive the first user input U11 instead of or inaddition to the first operating device 16. The first backup conditionincludes a condition in which the first operating device 16 needs abackup device configured to receive the first user input U11 and thefirst additional user input U12 instead of or in addition to the firstoperating device 16. In this embodiment, the additional electric device20 has the configuration of the backup device. However, the firstpredetermined condition is not limited to such backup condition.Furthermore, other devices such as the second operating device 18 can besuch backup device.

The controller 22 is configured to determine whether the first operatingdevice 16 meets the first predetermined condition based on the firstpower-level information PL1. The controller 22 is configured todetermine whether the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition based on a first power-level condition in whichthe first remaining level of the first electric power source 16E isequal to or lower than a first threshold TH11. The controller 22 isconfigured to store the first threshold TH11 in the memory 22M. Thecontroller 22 is configured to conclude that the first operating device16 meets the first predetermined condition if the first remaining levelof the first electric power source 16E is equal to or lower than thefirst threshold TH11. The controller 22 is configured to conclude thatthe first operating device 16 does not meet the first predeterminedcondition if the first remaining level of the first electric powersource 16E is higher than the first threshold TH11.

Furthermore, the controller 22 is configured to determine whether thefirst operating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition basedon the first communication-state information CL1. The controller 22 isconfigured to conclude that the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition if the first communication-stateinformation CL1 is equal to or lower than a first communication-statethreshold TH12. In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured toconclude that the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition if the signal strength of the radio wavestransmitted from the first operating device 16 is equal to or lower thanthe first communication-state threshold TH12. The controller 22 isconfigured to store the first communication-state threshold TH12 in thememory 22M. The controller 22 is configured to conclude that the firstoperating device 16 do not meet the first predetermined condition if thesignal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the first operatingdevice 16 is higher than the first communication-state threshold TH12.

As seen in FIG. 4, the controller 22 is configured to assign, if thefirst operating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition, theadditional electric device 20 a function of the first operating device16 so that the additional electric device 20 outputs the first controlsignal CS11. In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured toassign, if the first remaining level of the first electric power source16E is equal to or lower than the first threshold TH11, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the first operating device 16 so thatthe additional electric device 20 outputs the first control signal CS11.The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the signal strength of theradio waves transmitted from the first operating device 16 is equal toor lower than the first communication-state threshold TH12, theadditional electric device 20 the function of the first operating device16 so that the additional electric device 20 outputs the first controlsignal CS11.

The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the first operating device16 meets the first predetermined condition, the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the first operating device 16 so that theadditional electric device 20 outputs the first additional controlsignal CS12. In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured toassign, if the first remaining level of the first electric power source16E is equal to or lower than the first threshold TH11, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the first operating device 16 so thatthe additional electric device 20 outputs the first additional controlsignal CS12. The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the signalstrength of the radio waves transmitted from the first operating device16 is equal to or lower than the first communication-state thresholdTH12, the additional electric device 20 the function of the firstoperating device 16 so that the additional electric device 20 outputsthe first additional control signal CS12.

As seen in FIG. 4, the controller 22 is configured to assign, if thefirst operating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition, theadditional user interface 20A the function of the first user interface16A. In this embodiment, if the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition, the controller 22 is configured totransmit, to the additional electric device 20, an assignment commandAC1 indicating that the function of the first operating device 16 isassigned to the additional electric device 20.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the firstcontrol signal CS11 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the first operating device 16. The additionalelectric device 20 is configured to assign the additional user interface20A the function of the first user interface 16A in response to theassignment command AC1. The additional electric device 20 is configuredto store the function of the first operating device 16 in the memory20M. The additional electric device 20 is configured to store thefunction of the first user interface 16A of the first operating device16 in the memory 20M. The function of the first operating device 16 isassociated with the assignment command AC1. The function of the firstuser interface 16A of the first operating device 16 is associated withthe assignment command AC1.

The additional user interface 20A includes a virtual switch SW31displayed on the display 20S. The controller 22 is configured to assign,if the first operating device 16 meets the first predeterminedcondition, the virtual switch SW31 the function of the first electricalswitch SW11. The additional communicator 20B is configured to create thevirtual switch SW31 on the display 20S and assign the virtual switchSW31 the function of the first electrical switch SW11 in response to theassignment command AC1. The virtual switch SW31 is configured to receivethe first user input U11 instead of or in addition to the firstoperating device 16. The touch panel 20T is configured to detect thatthe user touches the virtual switch SW31. The additional communicator20B is configured to generate and output the first control signal CS11in response to the first user input U11 received by the virtual switchSW31.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the firstcontrol signal CS11 in response to the first user input U11 received bythe virtual switch SW31 after the function of the first operating device16 is assigned to the additional electric device 20. The additionalwireless communicator WC3 is configured to wirelessly transmit the firstcontrol signal CS11 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the first operating device 16. The additionalwireless communicator WC3 is configured to wirelessly transmit the firstcontrol signal CS11 in response to the first user input U11 received bythe virtual switch SW31 if the controller 22 assigns the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the first operating device 16.

The additional user interface 20A includes a virtual switch SW32displayed on the display 20S. The controller 22 is configured to assign,if the first operating device 16 meets the first predeterminedcondition, the virtual switch SW32 the function of the first additionalelectrical switch SW12. The additional communicator 20B is configured tocreate the virtual switch SW32 on the display 20S and assign the virtualswitch SW32 the function of the first additional electrical switch SW12in response to the assignment command AC1. The virtual switch SW32 isconfigured to receive the first additional user input U12 instead of orin addition to the first operating device 16. The touch panel 20T isconfigured to detect that the user touches the virtual switch SW32. Theadditional communicator 20B is configured to generate and output thefirst additional control signal CS12 in response to the first additionaluser input U12 received by the virtual switch SW32.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the firstadditional control signal CS12 in response to the first additional userinput U12 received by the virtual switch SW32 after the function of thefirst operating device 16 is assigned to the additional electric device20. The additional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to wirelesslytransmit the first additional control signal CS12 if the controller 22assigns the additional electric device 20 the function of the firstoperating device 16. The additional wireless communicator WC3 isconfigured to wirelessly transmit the first additional control signalCS12 in response to the first additional user input U12 received by thevirtual switch SW32 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the first operating device 16.

As seen in FIG. 5, the controller 22 is configured to determine whetherthe second operating device 18 meets a second predetermined condition.In this embodiment, the second predetermined condition includes a secondbackup condition in which the second operating device 18 needs a backupdevice configured to receive the second user input U21 instead of or inaddition to the second operating device 18. The second backup conditionincludes a condition in which the second operating device 18 needs abackup device configured to receive the second user input U21 and thesecond additional user input U22 instead of or in addition to the secondoperating device 18. In this embodiment, the additional electric device20 has the configuration of the backup device. However, the secondpredetermined condition is not limited to such backup condition.Furthermore, other devices such as the first operating device 16 can besuch backup device.

The controller 22 is configured to determine whether the secondoperating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition based onthe second power-level information PL2. The controller 22 is configuredto determine whether the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition in which a second remaining level of the secondelectric power source 18E is equal to or lower than a second thresholdTH21. The controller 22 is configured to store the second threshold TH21in the memory 22M. The controller 22 is configured to conclude that thesecond operating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition ifthe second remaining level of the second electric power source 18E isequal to or lower than the second threshold TH21. The controller 22 isconfigured to conclude that the second operating device 18 does not meetthe second predetermined condition if the second remaining level of thesecond electric power source 18E is higher than the second thresholdTH21.

Furthermore, the controller 22 is configured to determine whether thesecond operating device 18 meets the second predetermined conditionbased on the second communication-state information CL2. The controller22 is configured to conclude that the second operating device 18 meetsthe second predetermined condition if the second communication-stateinformation CL2 is equal to or lower than a second communication-statethreshold TH22. In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured toconclude that the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition if the signal strength of the radio wavestransmitted from the second operating device 18 is equal to or lowerthan a second communication-state threshold TH22. The controller 22 isconfigured to store the second communication-state threshold TH22 in thememory 22M. The controller 22 is configured to conclude that the secondoperating device 18 do not meet the second predetermined condition ifthe signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the secondoperating device 18 is higher than the second communication-statethreshold TH22.

The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition, the additionalelectric device 20 a function of the second operating device 18 so thatthe additional electric device 20 outputs the second control signalCS21. In this embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to assign, ifthe second remaining level of the second electric power source 18E isequal to or lower than the second threshold TH21, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the second operating device 18 sothat the additional electric device 20 outputs the second control signalCS21. The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the signal strengthof the radio waves transmitted from the second operating device 18 isequal to or lower than the second communication-state threshold TH22,the additional electric device 20 the function of the second operatingdevice 18 so that the additional electric device 20 outputs the secondcontrol signal CS21.

The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the second operating device 18 sothat the additional electric device 20 outputs the second additionalcontrol signal CS22. The controller 22 is configured to assign, if thesecond remaining level of the second electric power source 18E is equalto or lower than the second threshold TH21, the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the second operating device 18 so that theadditional electric device 20 outputs the second additional controlsignal CS22. The controller 22 is configured to assign, if the signalstrength of the radio waves transmitted from the second operating device18 is equal to or lower than the second communication-state thresholdTH22, the additional electric device 20 the function of the secondoperating device 18 so that the additional electric device 20 outputsthe second additional control signal CS22.

As seen in FIG. 5, the controller 22 is configured to assign, if thesecond operating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition, theadditional user interface 20A the function of the second user interface18A. In this embodiment, if the second operating device 18 meets thesecond predetermined condition, the controller 22 is configured totransmit, to the additional electric device 20, an assignment commandAC2 indicating that the function of the second operating device 18 isassigned to the additional electric device 20.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the secondcontrol signal CS21 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the second operating device 18. The additionalelectric device 20 is configured to assign the additional user interface20A the function of the second user interface 18A in response to theassignment command AC2. The additional electric device 20 is configuredto store the function of the second operating device 18 in the memory20M. The additional electric device 20 is configured to store thefunction of the second user interface 18A of the second operating device18 in the memory 20M. The function of the second operating device 18 isassociated with the assignment command AC1. The function of the seconduser interface 18A of the second operating device 18 is associated withthe assignment command AC2.

The additional user interface 20A includes a virtual switch SW41displayed on the display 20S. The controller 22 is configured to assign,if the second operating device 18 meets the second predeterminedcondition, the virtual switch SW41 the function of the second electricalswitch SW21. The additional communicator 20B is configured to create thevirtual switch SW41 on the display 20S and assign the virtual switchSW41 the function of the second electrical switch SW21 in response tothe assignment command AC2. The virtual switch SW41 is configured toreceive the second user input U21 instead of or in addition to thesecond operating device 18. The touch panel 20T is configured to detectthat the user touches the virtual switch SW41. The additionalcommunicator 20B is configured to generate and output the second controlsignal CS21 in response to the second user input U21 received by thevirtual switch SW41.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the secondcontrol signal CS21 in response to the second user input U21 received bythe virtual switch SW41 after the function of the second operatingdevice 18 is assigned to the additional electric device 20. Theadditional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to wirelesslytransmit the second control signal CS21 if the controller 22 assigns theadditional electric device 20 the function of the second operatingdevice 18. The additional wireless communicator WC3 is configured towirelessly transmit the second control signal CS21 in response to thesecond user input U21 received by the virtual switch SW41 if thecontroller 22 assigns the additional electric device 20 the function ofthe second operating device 18.

The additional user interface 20A includes a virtual switch SW42displayed on the display 20S. The controller 22 is configured to assign,if the second operating device 18 meets the second predeterminedcondition, the virtual switch SW42 the function of the second additionalelectrical switch SW22. The additional communicator 20B is configured tocreate the virtual switch SW42 on the display 20S and assign the virtualswitch SW42 the function of the second additional electrical switch SW22in response to the assignment command AC2. The virtual switch SW42 isconfigured to receive the second additional user input U22 instead of orin addition to the second operating device 18. The touch panel 20T isconfigured to detect that the user touches the virtual switch SW42. Theadditional communicator 20B is configured to generate and output thesecond additional control signal CS22 in response to the secondadditional user input U22 received by the virtual switch SW42.

The additional communicator 20B is configured to transmit the secondadditional control signal CS22 in response to the second additional userinput U22 received by the virtual switch SW42 after the function of thesecond operating device 18 is assigned to the additional electric device20. The additional wireless communicator WC3 is configured to wirelesslytransmit the second additional control signal CS22 if the controller 22assigns the additional electric device 20 the function of the secondoperating device 18. The additional wireless communicator WC3 isconfigured to wirelessly transmit the second additional control signalCS22 in response to the second additional user input U22 received by thevirtual switch SW42 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the second operating device 18.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operating system 10 further comprises anotification device 24. The notification device 24 is configured tonotify a user that the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition. The notification device 24 is configured tonotify a user that the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition. In this embodiment, the notification device 24is mounted to the additional electric device 20. For example, thenotification device 24 includes an indicator such as a light emittingelement. The notification device 24 is configured to indicate with lightthat the function of the first operating device 16 is assigned to theadditional electric device 20. The notification device 24 is configuredto turn on when the function of the first operating device 16 isassigned to the additional electric device 20. The notification device24 is configured to turn off when the function of the first operatingdevice 16 is not assigned to the additional electric device 20. However,the notification device 24 can include the display 20S or anothercomponent configured to display notification that the function of thefirst operating device 16 is assigned to the additional electric device20.

The operating system 10 further comprises a notification device 26. Thenotification device 26 is configured to notify a user that the firstoperating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition. In thisembodiment, the notification device 26 is mounted to the first operatingdevice 16. For example, the notification device 26 includes an indicatorsuch as a light emitting element. The notification device 26 isconfigured to indicate with light that the first operating device 16meets the first predetermined condition. The notification device 26 isconfigured to turn on when the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition. The notification device 26 is configured toturn off when the first operating device 16 does not meet the firstpredetermined condition. However, the notification device 26 can includea display or another component configured to display notification thatthe first operating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition.

The operating system 10 further comprises a notification device 28. Thenotification device 28 is configured to notify a user that the secondoperating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition. In thisembodiment, the notification device 28 is mounted to the secondoperating device 18. For example, the notification device 28 includes anindicator such as a light emitting element. The notification device 28is configured to indicate with light that the second operating device 18meets the second predetermined condition. The notification device 28 isconfigured to turn on when the second operating device 18 meets thesecond predetermined condition. The notification device 28 is configuredto turn off when the second operating device 18 does not meet the secondpredetermined condition. However, the notification device 28 can includea display or another component configured to display notification thatthe second operating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition.

The control of the operating system 10 will be described referring toFIGS. 6 and 7.

As seen in FIG. 6, the controller 22 determines whether the firstoperating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition (Step S1).In this embodiment, the controller 22 determines whether the firstoperating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition based on thefirst power-level information PL1 (Step S1A). The controller 22determines whether the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition based on the first power-level condition inwhich the first remaining level of the first electric power source 16Eis equal to or lower than the first threshold TH11 (Step S1A). Thecontroller 22 concludes that the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition if the first remaining level of the firstelectric power source 16E is equal to or lower than the first thresholdTH11 (Step S1A). The controller 22 concludes that the first operatingdevice 16 does not meet the first predetermined condition if the firstremaining level of the first electric power source 16E is higher thanthe first threshold TH11 (Step S1A).

Furthermore, the controller 22 determines whether the first operatingdevice 16 meets the first predetermined condition based on the firstcommunication-state information CL1 (Step S1B). The controller 22concludes that the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition if the first communication-state information CL1is equal to or lower than a first communication-state threshold TH12(Step S1B). The controller 22 concludes that the first operating device16 meets the first predetermined condition if the signal strength of theradio waves transmitted from the first operating device 16 is equal toor lower than the first communication-state threshold TH12. Thecontroller 22 concludes that the first operating device 16 do not meetthe first predetermined condition if the first communication-stateinformation CL1 is higher than the first communication-state thresholdTH12 (Step S1B). The controller 22 concludes that the first operatingdevice 16 meets the first predetermined condition if the signal strengthof the radio waves transmitted from the first operating device 16 ishigher than the first communication-state threshold TH12. However, oneof the Steps S1A and S1B can be omitted.

The controller 22 assigns, if the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition, the additional electric device 20 thefunction of the first operating device 16 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the first control signal CS11 (Steps S1 andS2A). In this embodiment, the controller 22 assigns, if the firstremaining level of the first electric power source 16E is equal to orlower than the first threshold TH11, the additional electric device 20the function of the first operating device 16 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the first control signal CS11 (Steps S1A andS2A). The controller 22 assigns, if the signal strength of the radiowaves transmitted from the first operating device 16 is equal to orlower than the first communication-state threshold TH12, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the first operating device 16 so thatthe additional electric device 20 outputs the first control signal CS11(Steps S1B and S2A).

The controller 22 assigns, if the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition, the additional electric device 20 thefunction of the first operating device 16 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the first additional control signal CS12(Steps S1 and S2B). In this embodiment, the controller 22 assigns, ifthe first remaining level of the first electric power source 16E isequal to or lower than the first threshold TH11, the additional electricdevice 20 the function of the first operating device 16 so that theadditional electric device 20 outputs the first additional controlsignal CS12 (Steps S1A and S2B). The controller 22 assigns, if thesignal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the first operatingdevice 16 is equal to or lower than the first communication-statethreshold TH12, the additional electric device 20 the function of thefirst operating device 16 so that the additional electric device 20outputs the first additional control signal CS12 (Steps S1B and S2B).

In this embodiment, if the first operating device 16 meets the firstpredetermined condition, the controller 22 transmits, to the additionalelectric device 20, the assignment command AC1 indicating that thefunction of the first operating device 16 is assigned to the additionalelectric device 20 (Steps S1 and S2C). The additional electric device 20assigns the additional user interface 20A the function of the first userinterface 16A in response to the assignment command AC1 (Step S3). Thenotification device 24 notifies a user that the first operating device16 meets the first predetermined condition in response to the assignmentcommand AC1 (Step S4). The notification device 26 of the first operatingdevice 16 notifies a user that the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition (Step S4).

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, if the first operating device 16 does not meetthe first predetermined condition, the controller 22 determines whetherthe second operating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition(Steps S1 and S5). In this embodiment, the controller 22 determineswhether the second operating device 18 meets the second predeterminedcondition based on the second power-level information PL2 (Step S5A).

As seen in FIG. 7, the controller 22 determines whether the secondoperating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition based onthe second power-level condition in which the second remaining level ofthe second electric power source 18E is equal to or lower than thesecond threshold TH21 (Step S5A). The controller 22 concludes that thesecond operating device 18 meets the second predetermined condition ifthe second remaining level of the second electric power source 18E isequal to or lower than the second threshold TH21 (Step S5A). Thecontroller 22 concludes that the second operating device 18 does notmeet the second predetermined condition if the second remaining level ofthe second electric power source 18E is higher than the second thresholdTH21 (Step S5A).

Furthermore, the controller 22 determines whether the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition based on the secondcommunication-state information CL2 (Step S5B). The controller 22concludes that the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition if the second communication-state informationCL2 is equal to or lower than a second communication-state thresholdTH22 (Step S5B). The controller 22 concludes that the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition if the signalstrength of the radio waves transmitted from the second operating device18 is equal to or lower than the second communication-state thresholdTH22. The controller 22 concludes that the second operating device 18 donot meet the second predetermined condition if the secondcommunication-state information CL2 is higher than the secondcommunication-state threshold TH22 (Step S5B). The controller 22concludes that the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition if the signal strength of the radio wavestransmitted from the second operating device 18 is higher than thesecond communication-state threshold TH22. However, one of the Steps S1Aand S1B can be omitted.

The controller 22 assigns, if the second operating device 18 meets thesecond predetermined condition, the additional electric device 20 thefunction of the second operating device 18 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the second control signal CS21 (Steps S5 andS6A). In this embodiment, the controller 22 assigns, if the secondremaining level of the second electric power source 18E is equal to orlower than the second threshold TH21, the additional electric device 20the function of the second operating device 18 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the second control signal CS21 (Steps S5A andS6A). The controller 22 assigns, if the signal strength of the radiowaves transmitted from the second operating device 18 is equal to orlower than the second communication-state threshold TH22, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the second operating device 18 sothat the additional electric device 20 outputs the second control signalCS21 (Steps S5B and S6A).

The controller 22 assigns, if the second operating device 18 meets thesecond predetermined condition, the additional electric device 20 thefunction of the second operating device 18 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the second additional control signal CS22(Steps S5 and S6B). In this embodiment, the controller 22 assigns, ifthe second remaining level of the second electric power source 18E isequal to or lower than the second threshold TH21, the additionalelectric device 20 the function of the second operating device 18 sothat the additional electric device 20 outputs the second additionalcontrol signal CS22 (Steps S5A and S6B). The controller 22 assigns, ifthe signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the secondoperating device 18 is equal to or lower than the secondcommunication-state threshold TH22, the additional electric device 20the function of the second operating device 18 so that the additionalelectric device 20 outputs the second additional control signal CS22(Steps S5B and S6B).

In this embodiment, if the second operating device 18 meets the secondpredetermined condition, the controller 22 transmits, to the additionalelectric device 20, the assignment command AC2 indicating that thefunction of the second operating device 18 is assigned to the additionalelectric device 20 (Steps S5 and S6C). The additional electric device 20assigns the additional user interface 20A the function of the seconduser interface 18A in response to the assignment command AC2 (Step S7).The notification device 24 notifies a user that the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition in response to theassignment command AC2 (Step S8). The notification device 28 of thesecond operating device 18 notifies a user that the second operatingdevice 18 meets the second predetermined condition (Step S4).

Second Embodiment

An operating system 210 in accordance with a second embodiment will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 8 to 10. The operating system 210 hasthe same structure and/or configuration as those of the operating system210 except for the controller 22. Thus, elements having substantiallythe same function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered thesame here and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detailhere for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 8, the operating system 210 for the human-poweredvehicle VH comprises the first operating device 16 and the controller22. In this embodiment, the second operating device 18 can also bereferred to as an additional electric device 18. Namely, the operatingsystem 210 further comprises the additional electric device 18. Thecontroller 22 is configured to assign, if the first operating device 16meets the first predetermined condition, the additional electric device18 the function of the first operating device 16 so that the additionalelectric device 18 outputs the control signal. The second user interface18A can also be referred to as an additional user interface 18A. Namely,the additional electric device 18 includes the additional user interface18A.

As seen in FIG. 9, the controller 22 is configured to assign, if thefirst operating device 16 meets the first predetermined condition, theadditional user interface 18A the function of the first user interface16A. In this embodiment, if the first operating device 16 meets thefirst predetermined condition, the controller 22 is configured totransmit, to the additional electric device 18, an assignment commandAC21 indicating that the function of the first operating device 16 isassigned to the additional electric device 18.

The additional communicator 18B is configured to transmit the firstcontrol signal CS11 if the controller 22 assigns the additional electricdevice 18 the function of the first operating device 16. The additionalelectric device 18 is configured to assign the additional user interface18A the function of the first user interface 16A in response to theassignment command AC21. The additional electric device 18 is configuredto store the function of the first operating device 16 in the secondmemory 18M. The additional electric device 18 is configured to store thefunction of the first user interface 16A of the first operating device16 in the second memory 18M. The function of the first operating device16 is associated with the assignment command AC21. The function of thefirst user interface 16A of the first operating device 16 is associatedwith the assignment command AC21.

For example, the additional communicator 18B is configured to assign thesecond electrical switch SW21 the function of the first electricalswitch SW11 in response to the assignment command AC21. The additionalcommunicator 18B is configured to assign the second additionalelectrical switch SW22 the function of the first additional electricalswitch SW12 in response to the assignment command AC21. The additionalcommunicator 18B is configured to assign the second additionalelectrical switch SW23 the functions of the second electrical switchSW21 and the second additional electrical switch SW22 in response to theassignment command AC21.

The second electrical switch SW21 is configured to receive the firstuser input U11. The additional communicator 18B is configured togenerate the first control signal CS11 in response to the first userinput U11 received by the second electrical switch SW21. The secondadditional electrical switch SW22 is configured to receive the firstadditional user input U12. The additional communicator 18B is configuredto generate the first additional control signal CS12 in response to thefirst additional user input U12 received by the second additionalelectrical switch SW22. The second additional electrical switch SW23 isconfigured to alternately receive the second user input U21 and thesecond additional user input U22. The additional communicator 18B isconfigured to alternately generate the second control signal CS21 andthe second additional control signal CS22 in response to the second userinput U21 and the second additional user input U22 alternately receivedby the second additional electrical switch SW23.

As seen in FIG. 10, the control of the operating system 210 includes theSteps S1 to S4 included in the operating system 10 of the firstembodiment. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sakeof brevity.

Third Embodiment

An operating system 310 in accordance with a third embodiment will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 11 to 13. The operating system 310has the same structure and/or configuration as those of the operatingsystem 310 except for the first communicator, the second communicator,and the additional communicator. Thus, elements having substantially thesame function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the samehere and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the operating system 310 for thehuman-powered vehicle VH comprises a first operating device 316 and thecontroller 22. The operating system 310 further comprises a secondoperating device 318. The operating system 310 further comprises anadditional electric device 320. As seen in FIG. 13, the controller 22 isconfigured to assign, if the first operating device 316 meets the firstpredetermined condition, the additional electric device 320 the functionof the first operating device 316 so that the additional electric device320 outputs the first control signal CS11. As seen in FIG. 14, thecontroller 22 is configured to assign, if the second operating device318 meets the first predetermined condition, the additional electricdevice 320 the function of the second operating device 318 so that theadditional electric device 320 outputs the second control signal CS21.

As seen in FIG. 12, the first operating device 316 has substantially thesame structure as the structure of the first operating device 16 of thefirst embodiment. The first operating device 316 includes a firstcommunicator 316B configured to transmit the first control signal CS11.The first communicator 316B has substantially the same structure as thestructure of the first communicator 16B of the first embodiment. In thisembodiment, the first communicator 316B includes a first communicationport CP1 configured to be connected to a first electric cable C4. Thefirst communicator 316B is configured to transmit the first controlsignal CS11 via the first communication port CP1. The firstcommunication port CP1 is configured to be connected to a junction J2with the first electric cable C4. The first wireless communicator WC1 isomitted in the first operating device 316.

The second operating device 318 has substantially the same structure asthe structure of the second operating device 18 of the first embodiment.The second operating device 318 includes a second communicator 318Bconfigured to transmit the second control signal CS21. The secondcommunicator 318B has substantially the same structure as the structureof the second communicator 18B of the second embodiment. In thisembodiment, the second communicator 18B includes a second communicationport CP2 configured to be connected to a second electric cable C5. Thesecond communicator 18B is configured to transmit the second controlsignal CS21 via the second communication port CP2. The secondcommunication port CP2 is configured to be connected to the junction J2with the second electric cable C5. The second wireless communicator WC2is omitted in the second operating device 318.

As seen in FIG. 12, the additional electric device 320 has substantiallythe same structure as the structure of the additional electric device 20of the first embodiment. The additional electric device 320 includes anadditional communicator 320B. The additional communicator 320B hassubstantially the same structure as the structure of the additionalcommunicator 20B of the first embodiment. The additional wirelesscommunicator WC3 is omitted in the additional communicator 320B. In thisembodiment, the additional communicator 320B includes an additionalcommunication port CP3 configured to be connected to an additionalelectric cable C6. The additional communication port CP3 is configuredto be connected to the junction J2 with the additional electric cableC6. The junction J2 is electrically connected to the junction J1 with anelectric cable C7.

As seen in FIG. 13, the additional communicator 320B is configured totransmit the first control signal CS11 if the controller 22 assigns theadditional electric device 320 the function of the first operatingdevice 316. The additional communicator 320B is configured to transmitthe first control signal CS11 via the additional communication port CP3if the controller 22 assigns the additional electric device 320 thefunction of the first operating device 316.

As seen in FIG. 14, the additional communicator 20B is configured totransmit the second control signal CS21 if the controller 22 assigns theadditional electric device 320 the function of the second operatingdevice 318. The additional communicator 320B is configured to transmitthe second control signal CS21 via the additional communication port CP3if the controller 22 assigns the additional electric device 320 thefunction of the second operating device 318.

As seen in FIG. 12, the controller 22 is configured to receive the firstcommunication-state information CL1 indicating the communication statebetween the communicator 22B of the controller 22 and the firstcommunicator 316B of the first operating device 316. The controller 22is configured to determine whether the first operating device 316 meetsthe first predetermined condition based on the first communication-stateinformation CL1. In this embodiment, the first communication-stateinformation CL1 includes an acknowledge signal AS1 from the firstoperating device 316. The first communicator 316B is configured totransmit the acknowledge signal AS1 to the controller 22.

The controller 22 is configured to receive the secondcommunication-state information CL2 indicating the communication statebetween the communicator 22B of the controller 22 and the secondcommunicator 18B of the second operating device 18. The controller 22 isconfigured to determine whether the second operating device 18 meets thesecond predetermined condition based on the second communication-stateinformation CL2. In this embodiment, the second communication-stateinformation CL2 includes an acknowledge signal AS2 from the secondoperating device 318. The second communicator 318B is configured totransmit the acknowledge signal AS2 to the controller 22.

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, Step S1B is replaced with Step S31B, andStep S5B is replaced with Step S35B. In Step S31B, the controller 22determines whether the controller 22 receives the firstcommunication-state information CL1 such as the acknowledge signal AS1.However, one of the Steps S1A and S31B can be omitted. In Step S35B, thecontroller 22 determines whether the controller 22 receives the secondcommunication-state information CL2 such as the acknowledge signal AS2.However, one of the Steps S1A and S35B can be omitted. Other steps aresubstantially the same as those of the flowcharts depicted in FIGS. 6and 7. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement,” and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be usedinterchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one ormore” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of”as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both oftwo choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, thephrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only onesingle choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices”if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. Forinstance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone,(2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B,and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both Aand B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. Inother words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “atleast one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.All of numerical values described in the present application can beconstrued as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately.”

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operating system for a human-powered vehicle,comprising: a first operating device configured to output a firstcontrol signal; and a controller configured to determine whether thefirst operating device meets a first predetermined condition, thecontroller being configured to assign, if the first operating devicemeets the first predetermined condition, an additional electric device afunction of the first operating device so that the additional electricdevice outputs the first control signal.
 2. The operating systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first operating device includes afirst electric power source, and the controller is configured todetermine whether the first operating device meets the firstpredetermined condition based on a first power-level condition in whicha first remaining level of the first electric power source is equal toor lower than a first threshold.
 3. The operating system according toclaim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive firstpower-level information indicating the first remaining level of thefirst electric power source from the first operating device, and thecontroller is configured to determine whether the first operating devicemeets the first predetermined condition based on the first power-levelinformation.
 4. The operating system according to claim 3, wherein thefirst operating device includes a first power-level detector configuredto detect the first remaining level of the first electric power source,and the controller is configured to receive the first power-levelinformation based on the first remaining level detected by the firstpower-level detector.
 5. The operating system according to claim 1,further comprising the additional electric device, wherein the firstoperating device includes a first communicator configured to transmitthe first control signal, and the additional electric device includes anadditional communicator configured to transmit the first control signalif the controller assigns the additional electric device the function ofthe first operating device.
 6. The operating system according to claim5, wherein the first communicator includes a first wireless communicatorconfigured to wirelessly transmit the first control signal, and theadditional communicator includes an additional wireless communicatorconfigured to wirelessly transmit the first control signal if thecontroller assigns the additional electric device the function of thefirst operating device.
 7. The operating system according to claim 5,wherein the first communicator includes a first communication portconfigured to be connected to a first electric cable, the firstcommunicator being configured to transmit the first control signal viathe first communication port, and the additional communicator includesan additional communication port configured to be connected to anadditional electric cable, the additional communicator being configuredto transmit the first control signal via the additional communicationport if the controller assigns the additional electric device thefunction of the first operating device.
 8. The operating systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the controller includes a communicatorconfigured to communicate with the first communicator, the controller isconfigured to receive first communication-state information indicating acommunication state between the communicator of the controller and thefirst communicator of the first operating device, and the controller isconfigured to determine whether the first operating device meets thefirst predetermined condition based on the first communication-stateinformation.
 9. The operating system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second operating device configured to output a secondcontrol signal, wherein the controller is configured to determinewhether the second operating device meets a second predeterminedcondition, and the controller is configured to assign, if the secondoperating device meets the second predetermined condition, theadditional electric device a function of the second operating device sothat the additional electric device outputs the second control signal.10. The operating system according to claim 9, wherein the secondoperating device includes a second electric power source, and thecontroller is configured to determine whether the second operatingdevice meets the second predetermined condition in which a secondremaining level of the second electric power source is equal to or lowerthan a second threshold.
 11. The operating system according to claim 10,wherein the controller is configured to receive second power-levelinformation indicating the second remaining level of the second electricpower source from the second operating device, and the controller isconfigured to determine whether the second operating device meets thesecond predetermined condition based on the second power-levelinformation.
 12. The operating system according to claim 11, wherein thesecond operating device includes a second power-level detectorconfigured to detect the second remaining level of the second electricpower source, and the controller is configured to receive the secondpower-level information based on the second remaining level detected bythe second power-level detector.
 13. The operating system according toclaim 9, further comprising the additional electric device, wherein thesecond operating device includes a second communicator configured totransmit the second control signal, and the additional electric deviceincludes an additional communicator configured to transmit the secondcontrol signal if the controller assigns the additional electric devicethe function of the second operating device.
 14. The operating systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the second communicator includes a secondwireless communicator configured to wirelessly transmit the secondcontrol signal, and the additional communicator includes an additionalwireless communicator configured to wirelessly transmit the secondcontrol signal if the controller assigns the additional electric devicethe function of the second operating device.
 15. The operating systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the second communicator includes a secondcommunication port configured to be connected to a second electriccable, the second communicator being configured to transmit the secondcontrol signal via the second communication port, and the additionalcommunicator includes an additional communication port configured to beconnected to an additional electric cable, the additional communicatorbeing configured to transmit the second control signal via theadditional communication port if the controller assigns the additionalelectric device the function of the second operating device.
 16. Theoperating system according to claim 13, wherein the controller includesa communicator configured to communicate with the second communicator,the controller is configured to receive second communication-stateinformation indicating a communication state between the communicator ofthe controller and the second communicator of the second operatingdevice, and the controller is configured to determine whether the secondoperating device meets the second predetermined condition based on thesecond communication-state information.
 17. The operating systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first operating device includes afirst user interface, the additional electric device includes anadditional user interface, and the controller is configured to assign,if the first operating device meets the first predetermined condition,the additional user interface a function of the first user interface.18. The operating system according to claim 17, wherein the first userinterface includes a first electrical switch, the additional userinterface includes a display and a virtual switch displayed on thedisplay, and the controller is configured to assign, if the firstoperating device meets the first predetermined condition, the virtualswitch a function of the first electrical switch.
 19. The operatingsystem according to claim 1, further comprising a notification deviceconfigured to notify a user that the first operating device meets thefirst predetermined condition.